Skills and labour consultation ‘Ambition Southend’ a strategy for the future

November 13, 2017 by SBC

Skills and labour consultation ‘Ambition Southend’ a strategy for the future

Monday 13 November 2017

Southend-on-Sea residents are being called on to give their views to help shape a strategy being developed to improve the skills and local economy.

‘Ambition Southend’ has analysed the local skills and labour market in order to develop a new strategy that will support the current and future growth of the local workforce and economy.

Whilst the current skills and labour market support system is well developed with key businesses and partnerships all playing their part, with the workforce forecast to grow over the next decade, a shared vision and approach by all stakeholders across the borough is needed.

This consultation asks residents for views on subjects including but not limited to:
Identifying clear career pathways and both vocational and academic support for all learners
How to meet future skills needs; young people today will need a range of transferrable skills including communications, digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills
Meeting the current and future skills needs of employers and raising productivity
The Council wants residents views on the development of the strategy, including any changes, new ideas and input into how the strategy is delivered.

Cllr Ann Holland Executive Cllr for Culture, Tourism and the Economy said: “Over the next 15 years Southend-on-Sea will see major regeneration with projects including Airport Business Park Southend, Better Queensway and the Thames Estuary Experience which will generate a significant number of employment opportunities that we want local people to be able to access.

“By developing a clear skills and labour strategy we can work together with stakeholders to provide clear careers paths for young people and help them develop the necessary skills and also provide those opportunities for the current workforce too, by equipping them with the skills and knowledge that our businesses will require in the future.

The full paper providing initial analysis, conclusions, proposals and questions for consideration and feedback can be found by visiting www.southend.gov.uk/ambitionsouthend and written response to the questions included in the paper need to be received by Friday, 22nd December, 2017. These should be emailed to: economicd@southend.gov.uk

Public drop-in sessions are also being held on the following dates:
15th November 4.30-7pm – The Foyer, The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1NS
16th November 1.30-3.30pm – Friars Centre’s Centre, Constable Way, Shoeburyness, SS3 9XX

For those wishing to obtain paper copies of the document and questionnaire please email: bettersouthend@southend.gov.uk or call us on 01702 215408 quoting ‘Skills consultation’.